Chiga didn't intend to continue the conversation with Crocus. His body swayed, and in the next instant, he appeared beside Brook.
Brook immediately bowed deeply to Chiga.
His gratitude toward Chiga was beyond words. Thanks to Chiga, he had reclaimed his shadow and fulfilled his promise to reunite with Laboon.
Moreover, he now knew Chiga's true identity—he was a Marine Admiral!
This moved Brook even more deeply. A dignified Marine Admiral would actually help a seemingly insignificant pirate like him? Who would believe such a thing?
Brook felt as if he could dedicate his life to Chiga!
Of course, Chiga didn't want Brook to sacrifice himself. What he wished was for Brook to live happily alongside Laboon.
Helping Brook to his feet, Chiga smiled and said,
"How about it? Are you still thinking about returning to the underworld now?"
Laboon stared at Brook with wide, curious eyes.
If Brook's face wasn't already just bones, he might have turned crimson under Laboon's gaze.
With Laboon by his side, of course, he had no desire to die now!
Brook had long decided to spend the rest of his days with Laboon. He wanted nowhere else.
So, he wriggled shyly and said,
"Chiga-San, you're teasing me. I no longer think about dying. I want to stay with Laboon!"
Laboon immediately let out a joyful cry, shooting a high jet of seawater from the blowhole on its back. The most enchanting part was the rainbow that appeared when the water fell.
Chiga and Brook both smiled at Laboon's reaction. Chiga couldn't help reaching out to touch Laboon's massive face.
Laboon still held some fear of Chiga's Rinnegan, but it also understood that this human was their great benefactor. So it suppressed its fear, obediently closing its eyes to let Chiga stroke it.
Though Laboon stretched several hundred meters long, in front of Chiga, it was as gentle as a small dog. Chiga was pleased to see such a well-behaved Laboon. He then took out a Flying Thunder God kunai and handed it to Brook.
Brook took the kunai, examining it curiously, and asked,
"Chiga-San, what is this?"
Chiga continued stroking Laboon, replying casually without looking up,
"If you ever encounter enemies here that you can't handle, just use this to call me. I will come immediately."
At Chiga's words, Brook's eye sockets widened. The kunai suddenly felt heavy in his hands, filled with Chiga's mountain-like kindness.
Tears welled up uncontrollably. His jawbone moved as if struggling to speak, but for a moment, he was at a loss for words.
Chiga turned to pat Brook's shoulder gently and said softly,
"Don't worry so much. Laboon is so well-behaved; I like it very much. Just consider this a gift from me to Laboon."
Brook hugged the Flying Thunder God kunai tightly to his chest, nodding repeatedly.
Chiga smiled and asked,
"Do you have any plans for the future?"
"I want to be a lighthouse keeper like Mr. Crocus, guarding this place and living with Laboon!"
Hearing Brook's answer, Chiga nodded approvingly. This should be the best ending for Brook and Laboon.
Thinking this, a smile appeared on Chiga's face. The matter was settled, and it was time to leave.
Without saying goodbye, Chiga's body suddenly transformed into a burst of purple lightning and vanished.
Laboon and Brook were stunned by Chiga's sudden disappearance. They stared at each other until Brook realized Chiga had already gone.
Recalling the short time spent with Chiga, Brook's heart overflowed with gratitude. He looked up and shouted,
"Thank you! Chiga-San!"
"Woo!"
Laboon also cried out to the sky. Chiga's figure had left an indelible mark in its mind. It would never forget the human with the unique eyes.
Suddenly, thunder rumbled in the sky. A bolt of fierce lightning struck the rock wall Laboon often collided with, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Brook and Laboon instinctively covered their eyes. When the dust settled, they saw clearly carved words on the rock wall:
"Laboon Island – Left by Marine Admiral Purple Kirin."
The ROOM space carried Brook from the seawater. He silently looked up at the two striking lines.
He understood Chiga's intent. The first line, "Laboon Island," was a gift from Chiga to Laboon, who had guarded this place for decades.
The second line, the signature, was meant to protect both him and Laboon.
Brook's skeletal body and Laboon, a massive whale, could be considered rare treasures by some factions.
Additionally, Crocus's special identity made it difficult to guarantee that everyone had good intentions.
The name of Marine Admiral Purple Kirin was the best safeguard. Anyone who saw it would think twice before provoking them.
After some time, Brook suddenly dropped to his knees, bowing deeply, and did not lift his head for a long moment.
…
Thunder rumbled over Marineford, but the Marines below did not panic. Instead, they felt a profound sense of security.
They knew it was the signal of Admiral Purple Kirin's return.
After returning to Marine Headquarters, Chiga first spent time with Kalifa and Ain, then went directly to Zephyr.
Less than two days had passed since Chiga left to find the Yomi Yomi no Mi. Zephyr still carried his grief, his expression heavy.
Yet when he saw Chiga, a genuine smile broke across his face. He didn't want his sorrow to affect his favorite student.
"It's Chiga. What have you been busy with these past two days?"
Chiga noticed Zephyr's forced smile. Without much explanation, he stepped forward, took Zephyr's arm, and activated the ROOM space.
Zephyr had no defense against Chiga and vanished with him.
Inside Marine Headquarters' graveyard,
Swish.
Zephyr and Chiga appeared before two gravestones—one large, one small.
Zephyr's eyes glistened with sorrow as he gazed at them. Turning to Chiga, he looked puzzled.
Chiga remained silent. Extending the ROOM space underground, he summoned two coffins side by side on the surface.
Zephyr's composure broke. Those coffins held his wife and son.
Yet out of trust in Chiga, he did not speak harshly. Slowly, he approached and gently brushed his hand over the cold wood, his eyes filled with an unresolvable sorrow.
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Thanks for the Powerstones....send more <(￣︶￣)>